Non-Essential UB Workers Sent Home as Gov. Pataki Closes State Offices

Non-essential employees at the University at Buffalo were sent home at 1 p.m. Friday and university offices closed for the remainder of the day, after New York State Governor George E. Pataki closed state offices across New York State in an effort to help reduce the demand for power on the electrical system in the wake of Thursday's power outages.

The directive released all employees working in state offices and facilities who are determined to be in non-essential positions and allowed for the closing of such state offices and buildings where possible.

The directive also asked employees and their families to continue to conserve energy while at home.

In a statement announcing the decision, Gov. Pataki said the measures will enable state government to contribute to a reduction in power demand across New York State as state agencies and power providers continue to work around the clock to restore electricity to customers and ensure the reliability of the power system.